Maryland State Police Offer Storm Advice for Motorists

With as much as another five inches of snow expected to drop on the Baltimore region Tuesday, Maryland State Police officials are urging drivers to use caution if they must go out in the storm and to stay at home if possible.

Superintendent Marcus L. Brown has directed barrack commanders across the state to survey local roads as necessary and assign workers as needed as Round 2 of this week's winter storm prepares to hit the region, according to a statement issued by the agency.

Brown in the statement urged motorists to be cautious when traveling and to be aware of hazardous conditions that can materialize quickly in a snow storm.

Abandoned and disabled cars and trucks cause unnecessary problems for snow removal crews and for troopers and other workers responding to emergencies, according to the statement.

Drivers should be aware of the condition of their vehicles and of highway restrictions should a snow emergency plan go int o effect while on the road.

Snow emergency requirements and other tips:

• Parking is prohibited on any designated snow emergency route, according to the statement. 

• All vehicles are required to have approved mud and snow tires or chains while operating on snow emergency routes. 

• All abandoned vehicles will be towed from major highways.

• In the event of a power outage, traffic lights may not work. Maryland law requires all drivers approaching an intersection with a nonfunctioning traffic light to stop and treat the intersection as if it has all-way stop signs.

• For up-to-date road conditions and closures, motorists are encouraged to visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency's website, visit www.511md.org or call 511. 

• Road conditions and live traffic camera views are available on the State Highway Administration website.

• Motorists should not call 911 to ask about road conditions; those lines should be kept clear for emergency situations.